Opinion
The recently leaked document from the European Union's Department for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), as reported by Politico, has caused significant controversy. The draft Briefing Book for the next European Commission has shifted focus away from a "values-based" approach to international cooperation towards prioritizing the EU's geopolitical and economic interests. This change emphasizes securing critical raw materials and enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy through the Global Gateway strategy.
Civil society organizations, including CONCORD and PLATFORMA, have expressed deep concern and disappointment. They argue that this new direction undermines years of progress in sustainable development, poverty reduction, and human rights. The document appears to prioritize trade and investment strategies that benefit the EU, rather than focusing on the needs and development priorities of partner countries
The leaked document from DG INTPA, which outlines the EU's international cooperation strategy for the next European Commission, indicates a substantial shift towards prioritizing the EU's geopolitical and economic interests. This shift, characterized by a focus on securing critical raw materials and enhancing strategic autonomy through the Global Gateway strategy, raises several concerns for Africa and its development trajectory.
Key Implications for Africa
The leaked document suggests that the EU’s strategy is moving away from prioritizing human development, poverty reduction, and human rights. Instead, it emphasizes economic security and competition, primarily benefiting the EU. This means that less attention and fewer resources might be allocated to initiatives directly aimed at improving the livelihoods of people in African countries
The document highlights a strategic pivot towards securing critical rawmaterials, such as cobalt, which are essential for the EU’s technological and industrial needs. While investments in African infrastructure might increase, these projects may primarily serve the EU's economic interests rather than contributing to sustainable local development. This could lead to economic exploitation and increased dependency on resource extraction
African countries' development priorities, such as addressing inequalities, promoting human rights, and fostering democratic governance, may be sidelined. The document's lack of focus on these issues suggests that the new strategy might not adequately address the socio-economic challenges faced by African nations
The traditional partnerships between the EU, local authorities, and civil society organizations, which have been crucial for participatory governance and sustainable development, might be weakened. The shift towards a more transactional approach based on trade and investment could undermine the
role of these partnerships in fostering inclusive and equitable development
The new strategy raises concerns about the potential reversal of progress made in international cooperation and sustainable development. The focus on economic interests and competition may undermine efforts to build just societies, address power imbalances, and ensure that no one is left behind
Response from Civil Society
Civil society organizations, including CONCORD and PLATFORMA, have strongly criticized the leaked strategy. They argue that the EU's approach compromises its commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and global welfare. These organizations are calling for the European Commission to reaffirm its dedication to human development, poverty reduction, and human rights to maintain its credibility as a reliable partner in international cooperation
A subsequent segment of this article will be shared in due course
